A frequently asked question our team receives is: why should I choose The Forensic Practice for interview training instead of someone else?

We take on the responsibility of training investigative interviewers with great dedication. Our evidence-based, court-tested interviewing model and carefully designed training program rely on sound learning principles to ensure that skills learned in the classroom transfer directly to the field. This prevents interviewer drift, keeping skills effective over time.

We commit to using adult learning principles that reliably transfer knowledge and skills to real-life applications. This approach maximizes the return on investment (ROI) for training budgets.

Here’s what sets us apart from other interview trainers:

1. Training is Our Singular Focus

We specialize exclusively in training. Interview training is our core focus, not something we do on the side. Unlike solo trainers or organizations with multiple service areas, we dedicate all of our time and resources to delivering exceptional interview training. Although we offer additional training in areas like risk assessment, our primary commitment is to forensic interviewing.

2. An Evidence-Based Interview Model

We create and deliver our own workshops, which provides several unique advantages:

• We can quickly update workshop content and adopt new training techniques to stay aligned with the latest research, best practice standards, and adult learning principles.
• We can maintain a high standard of training delivery through our ongoing trainer development program.
• We can respond directly to clients’ evolving training needs.

3. Skilled Trainers

While many skilled forensic interviewers deliver training on the side, effective instruction demands a unique skill set. We select trainers with extensive field experience, put them through our Trainer Development Program, and provide them with instructional manuals to ensure consistency. Our trainers receive frequent updates on best practices, research, and legal issues related to investigative interviewing.

To keep their instructional skills sharp, our trainers lead multiple workshops each year. This allows our trainers to master course content and hone their facilitation skills, so that they can customize training for the specific needs of each class.

4. Evidence-Based Learning Strategies

We use evidence-based learning strategies to maximize retention, reduce interviewer drift, and enhance interview quality. For instance, to transfer knowledge into long-term memory, we design engaging workshops that capture participants’ attention. We then have participants reflect on, work with, recall, and practice the material to support deep and lasting learning.

Another strategy is content scaffolding, where we tailor the level of support to each learner’s existing knowledge and skills. Our training progresses step-by-step, starting with formulating questions and advancing to real-world practice interviews. We continuously monitor comprehension, adjusting our approach and providing examples that align with each learner’s professional background, whether they are a social worker, police officer, or another professional.

We also incorporate generative learning, a strategy backed by research that improves retention. Learners retain information more effectively when they actively generate content rather than simply receiving it. Our trainers engage participants in group exercises and self-reflection before explaining key concepts, ensuring a deeper understanding and more effective processing of the material.

5. Variety & Engagement in Workshops

We structure our workshops to build skills progressively. Participants start with foundational skills, then move on to specific interview steps and advanced techniques. They practice skills in pairs, small groups, and large groups. Finally, participants conduct interviews with each other before moving on to realistic mock interviews with trained actors. These actor-based interviews, inspired by real cases, add a level of authenticity and engagement.

We use dynamic training techniques to keep participants engaged. Our workshops include interactive lectures, video analysis, transcript exercises, individual and group activities, team competitions, improv exercises, self-directed offline tasks, quizzes, demonstrations, case studies, and practice interviews with peers and actors.

Have more questions about choosing The Forensic Practice? Follow this link to contact us directly.